When Hearts Heal

Chapter 24

After our first date, time just seemed to be flying by. The hours at work felt shorter, sleep was an annoying distraction, and the time we spent together felt irritatingly short.

It wasn't long after our first date that we went on our second date. Bowling. And soon after, 2 dates turned into 3 and 3 turned into 4.

4 dates in the last 2 weeks.

Was I crazy or am I really enjoying spending time with him ?

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Maya asked excited as I laced up my shoes.

"Uhm...I think we're going dancing."

"Dancing? Excuse me if I'm laughing but you can't dance Adi. You do know that right?" Maya laughed as I rolled my eyes at her hurtful comment.

"And he's going to teach me."

"Well more power to him." She teased as I grabbed my keys.

"Laugh all you want, but I have a good feeling about this." I said before heading out.

So what if I wasn't the best dancer. No one is good at everything. This was just my...achilles heal. And I was fine with that.

I watched from the side as other people coupled up and started dancing. I could tell Dominic was itching to get on the dance floor himself but he didn't want to push me into doing something I didn't want to do.

He was being considering and fighting the urge to just grab my hand unto the dance floor.

I slowly swayed to the music as it soon switched to a slower song before feeling the unfamiliar touch of Dominic's hand on mine. Almost instinctively my eyes darted down to our hands before meeting his gaze.

"It's a slow one, you don't have to be a pro to do this one. Just...follow my lead." He suggested with a charming smile as I returned it following him unto the dance floor.

My heart was pounding loudly against my chest as I tried my best to stay calm. I was nervous. Heaven knows why, but if I would take a guess I would say that I didn't want to mess this up or embarrass myself.

"Your hands goes here," Dominic guided my hands so it was resting on his neck. "And my hands will go here," I stiffened for a split second as I felt his hands on my lower back hoping he didn't realize. "If that's okay?" He asked having obviously noticed my reaction. I couldn't muster any words as his touch felt both foreign and enticing. So, I just nod my head confirming it was okay as we started swaying to the music.

He seemed deep in thought. Almost as if he was being extra careful with keep his hands steadied on my lower back. I couldn't help but think of Jared. I know I shouldn't...and it wasn't fond memories that I was reflecting back on, it was actually quite the opposite.

Standing this close to another man reminded me that every time I was this close to Jared he would take extra liberties. His hands would 'accidentally' started roaming and then he would apologise saying he didn't mean to, but we both knew he meant to. I would say that it was fine and moments later his hands would 'slip' again. At first I didn't think much of it because that type of touch was foreign to me and as much as I hate to admit it now, in the moment it was hot and I wanted him to continue. But it was the moments where I did not want him to touch me, the moments where he then manipulated me into agreeing that it was what I wanted in order to say yes, that it started to make me feel like an object.

"You okay?" Dominic asks removing his hands from my lower back as I just noticed the song has ended.

"Yeah, just...concentrating to make sure I wasn't stepping on your toes." I said trying to sound convincing while silently praying he didn't recognise it as a lie.

"Well you did amazing. How about another?" He suggested as I nod wanting to savour this moment with him and not wanting thoughts of Jared to ruin my date.

This time I tried my best not to think of him. Instead I kept my gaze on Dominic, inspecting every detail of him.  His eyes were this perfect blend between green and brown, he had little freckles running from the bridge of his nose down to his cheeks. He was cleanly shaved with the new stubble just starting to peak through. And his lips...his lips just looked absolutely kissable. A deep shade of red with a strinking cupid's bow making his lips seem fuller.

I tried to avert my eyes in attempt to not make it seem obvious that I was staring at his lips. Yet almost as if he could read my thoughts he ran his tongue across his lips practically teasing me or better yet inviting me for a kiss.

As the song started to die down and the couples started to break away, I could've sworn this was the moment. That this, date number 5 was the moment we would kiss.

"Adeline?" His voice sounded deep as his eyes bore into mine.

"Yes?" I could barely make out the word almost as if my words were caught in my throat.

"Can I-"

And before the words I wanted to hear most in the world could escape his perfect lips, my phone rang interrupting the moment.

I sighed seeing the hospital number flash on my screen. "I should take this, it's work." I apologised as I moved to a more private spot.

I took a deep breath before heading back to Dominic at the table. "Everything okay?" He asked concerned as I grabbed my back and flashed him a dissapointed look.

"There's an emergency at work. I'm so sorry, I have to go. "

"Of course, your job is important. Here, let me drive you home." He offered putting some cash on the table for our drinks.

I felt bad having to leave early, and even more dissapointed since I just know we were about to kiss. But he seemed so considering and thoughtful as he drove me home I couldn't help but feel worse. If he had been mad or dissapointed I would understand because that's a reasonable reaction when your date leaves early to go to work instead. But instead, he was understanding and kind, even driving me home inspite of me abandoning him.

"I had a lovely time." I said as we reached the front door. "And I'm really sorry I had to leave in such a hurry."

"I had a good time too. And it's okay Adeline, you go and save some lives. This just gives me an excuse to see you again even sooner." He flashed that charming smile as I immediately got flustered and nervous again. He was standing close to me, so close I could smell his cologne and hear his breathing.

Here we go, it's happening.

I closed my eyes as he attempted to close the gap between us as I could feel his breath closer to my face now.

"Oh great! They called you-" Maya swung the door open as both Dominic and I jumped back.

Dammit, I was so close!

I watched as Dominic brushed his hand through his hair embarrassed before saying goodnight and heading to his car. I flashed a scowl Maya's way before heading upstairs to change as I heard her yell a 'sorry' behind me.

I didn't end up getting my kiss.

But maybe...I might be starting to fall for him after all.